Need some clarifications please......and thanks!

[coasterbob]

Ok, I hope this isn't too confusing so here goes:

We are seriously considering buying into DVC (the paperwork is on the way to review ).
If we buy 200 pts., we get the Aug 2005 points now, and another 200 pts in Aug 2006. If I want to book a reservation for Dec 2006 at SSR, I can do this in Jan (11 month window), but do i need to have ALL the points (i.e. for a 2 bdrm), when I BOOK the ressie, or when I actually USE the unit? Technically, I will have 200 in Jan 2006, but no enough to cover the unit we want. Of course I will bank these points to add to the 200 we get next August.

Also, what are the chances (from past experienced DVCers), of switching the ressie at the 7 month window over to a 2 brm at either WLV, BWV, or BCV?

Thanks for your responses, and we look forward to "going home" next year!

Bob & Debbie

 

[DebbieB]

This subject is what confuses new members more than anything. All points use is based on the date of the stay. Points don't "drop" into your account on the first day of your use year, they are already there to use as needed. Your December 2006 stay will be in your 2006 use year. Your August 2006 points would be considered current year. To use your 2005 points, you would have to bank them. You could also borrow 2007 points. All this can be done in January at the 11 month window for your home resort, there's no waiting.

December is very popular at the DVC resorts. You could possibly switch at 7 months but you could wait list if they are not available.

Welcome Home!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

You will need to bank the 2005 points before you can make the reservation. However, since you are buying directly through DVC, you should be able to do this fairly soon. I was able to make reservations with my points before closing and really pretty soon after making my deposit, like a day or two. If you have your member number, or can get it from your guide, you can call MS and get the points banked and make your reservation at the 11 month mark.

 

[CarolMN]

Ok, I hope this isn't too confusing so here goes:

We are seriously considering buying into DVC (the paperwork is on the way to review ).
If we buy 200 pts., we get the Aug 2005 points now, and another 200 pts in Aug 2006. If I want to book a reservation for Dec 2006 at SSR, I can do this in Jan (11 month window), but do i need to have ALL the points (i.e. for a 2 bdrm), when I BOOK the ressie, or when I actually USE the unit? Technically, I will have 200 in Jan 2006, but no enough to cover the unit we want. Of course I will bank these points to add to the 200 we get next August.

ZThe points need to be available when you arrive to use the reservation. So if you bank your 2005 points, you will have up to 400 points to use for your December 2006 vacation. You can call to make the reservation in January, 2006.

Also, what are the chances (from past experienced DVCers), of switching the ressie at the 7 month window over to a 2 brm at either WLV, BWV, or BCV?

Thanks for your responses, and we look forward to "going home" next year!

Bob & Debbie

IMHO, your chances depend on how motivated you are to make the reservation. December is a very popular time for DVC members to visit. The smaller resorts (VWL, BCV & BWV) have limited availability at 7 months for that time. The proverbial "early birds" will book up the available rooms quickly.

You will need to call day by day (as soon as MS opens at 9 am Eastern) to have the best chance of getting the resrvation you seek. If any of the days are not available when you call, you need to get on the waitlist for them right away. Waitlist by individual days (not for the whole reservaiton to become available at once). Waitlisting for individual days does carry more risk (you could end up having to move back and forth during your stay), but it is much more likely to work than a waitlist for an entire stay.

Best wishes -

 

[coasterbob]

Thanks Debbie, Tammy and Carol for your quick responses! That's what I call family....DVC style!

So, upon competion of the contract, we should immediatley bank the 2005 points, and then call in January to book the ressie at SSR for next December. Then at the 7 month window, start calling to see what is available elswhere. I think I got it! Bob

 

[CarolMN]

FWIW, there isn't any hurry to bank the 2005 points. With an August use year, you have until the end of January 2006 to bank up to 100% of your 2005 points.

You could bank and make the reservation in the same call if you wish. FWIW, I don't think you will have a problem making your 2 bedroom reservation at SSR at the 11 month mark -

Best wishes -

 

[BillPA]

WELCOME HOME!!!

Another option that you may not be aware of is the "wait list".
This is if you want to switch to say the VWL at 7 months and there is no availability at that moment in time. You can go on a wait list, so when a room opens up MS will call or assign the available rooms to the members on the wait list in the order of the request date (ie. first in first called). You have several options on the wait list. You can have them add day by day as the rooms become available or have MS wait until ALL nights are available. Also you can have MS automatically 'switch' the locations, or have them call you before you switch. Many members really enjoy ALL of the DCV resorts and book their home resort at 11 months then switch at 7 months. This is why the wait list works so well.

Many members on this site have had very good luck with the wait lists. I have always had very good luck being able to switch, even to standard view BWV and VWL in late Nov early December.

Good luck with your trip and you will have a GREAT stay no matter which resort you choose.

 

[coasterbob]

Thanks Bill. I see you are from West Chester Pa. Over a 4 year period I spent many a day in West Chester as my daughter went to WCU....and got a great education! Bob


I do like the wait list idea, and most likley will use it!

 

[byoung]

Welcome Home We got hooked on our DVC, you will enjoy.